A WONDERFUL Wychbold woman and her band of trusty volunteers are celebrating a bumper end to their 20th year of fundraising for St Richard's Hospice.

Peg Poultney and the Wychbold Wonders have raised almost £4,000 in the last year through their monthly jumble and tabletop sale. The group's last sale - earlier this month - generated £452.

Peg, who is now 73, was encouraged to start fundraising by her best friend Betty Miller, who died of cancer in 1980.

"When Betty was very ill, she said to me 'What are you going to do with all your time when I am gone?' She suggested I start doing some fundraising for a cancer charity," said Peg.

After Betty's death, Peg started raising money for Cancer Research but, in 1984, St Richard's Hospice was set up in Droitwich, which she decided to work for instead.

"A hospice is just what Betty needed," added Peg.

Twenty years on, and thousands of pounds later, the Wychbold Wonders are now a 25-strong group, with members aged between 11 and 85.

"I was going to retire at 70 but at 73 I am still here and planning the next jumble sale in January. I don't think I will ever be able to retire," laughed the De Wyche Road resident.

She added: "I would just like to say thank you to everyone who has supported us and we will see you in the New Year."

Tricia Cavell, St Richard's fundraising manager said: "Peg's an amazing person. She has done so much for St Richard's over the years and is totally dedicated to raising funds to help us care for our patients and families.

"The Wychbold Wonders have built up a big following and there's always a great turn out for any of Peg's sales. We would like to thank her for all her hard work over the years and wish Peg and the Wychbold Wonders continuing success in 2005."